Wow.
I'm 30 now.
Thanks for all the happy birthday wishes!
Although I still hanker for strappy shoes and orgasms, so I guess I passed the passing 30 phase.
There's a computer with Internet in our hotel, so thought I would whack out a fast post.
Prague is lovely. Lovely, lovely, lovely. The city is very old and apparently in a great state of renovation, since many places are under scaffolding and preparing for face lifts. This just adds to the charm, I think. The weather is nice (although not hot!) and there are surprisingly a lot of tourists. Mr. Y and I have observed the dichotomy as thus: the English tourists seem to be in the shopping districts, the Americans in the Jewish and Christian quarters, and the Italian and German tour groups seem to be everywhere (and always with someone holding an umbrella up. "We're walking....we're walking...."
Prague has a great history. I find it ironic that my D&S lover and I are in the area that was once known as Bohemia. What I don't find so amusing, however, is the suffering that Prague and it's Czech citizens went through during the war. We will be heading for a former concetration camp later today, and I find that to be about the most sobering prospect I have ever heard.
Yesterday morning X Partner Unit called from China to wish me happy birthday (very sweet of him), and then Y and I saw Prague Castle, had a waltz around the Old Palace, and walked on the oldest bridge in Europe. We got in a fight in the afternoon over something stupid which is on the border of my memory now, but quickly made up when, at last, my family called me to wish me happy birthday. I don't really discuss it here, but my family and I aren't getting on well at all. I had barely heard from them and didn't get my tradtional midnight call on my birthday. When the phone rang in the middle of our argument, I crumpled like a tin can and Mr. Y wrapped his arms around me.
We're so stubborn sometimes.
Y had saved up my birthday cards from my family and presented them to me with his gifts and a fabulous bottle of champagne. From my family, money and 4 lovely shirts. From Y, a beautiful necklace made with grey freshwater pearls and a gorgeous titanium and gold ring (which unfortunately is the wrong size, but I can't wait to show off the ring when we get one the new size!) Pics on those later :)
We had a huge dinner at a Lebanese restaurant last night, all cozy lighting and red throw pillows, baba ganousch and hummous eaten with fingers. Then we trooped back to the hotel room, hand in hand and telling stories as we walked by the river, where we made love for an hour. We are slow moving today but happy, and I still find that I can't get enough of Y.
-H.
PS-yup, Laura and Reflection-we're bonking like bunnies :)
Posted by Everydaystranger at April 2, 2004 07:53 AM | TrackBackJust noticed that your link to my blog was outdated.
My old site was:
http://sayanything.typepad.com
My new URL is:
http://sayanythingblog.com
Just thought I'd let you know so you could update it or remove it.
Posted by: Rob at April 7, 2004 07:40 PMSpeaks volumes, doesn't it Roger? :)
Posted by: Helen at April 5, 2004 09:32 PMHappy Birthday!! Glad to hear it was a good one. :)
Posted by: Lisa at April 5, 2004 03:45 PMJust a thought H and not meant to be controversal: Perhaps if you include Mohammed in the list of guys who had emotional and spiritual break-throughs when they turned 30, it would be fair to include Charlie Manson as well? After all there is more similarity in their personalities than with the other three. If there had been an established civilization at the time and place of Mohammed he would not have gotten any further than Charlie.
Posted by: Roger at April 5, 2004 02:34 PMHappy B-day. I do hope that Mr Y gave you a full 30 for your birthday spanking. He is English after all right ;-)
But seriously congratulations on everything. Remember the main character in Shangra La (sp?) was of the view that being frozen @ age 30 something would be ideal so live it up - you're in the rich caramel centre of life now :-)
Posted by: Steve P at April 4, 2004 12:16 PMHappy 30th Helen!! Glad to hear you're having a good one. My 30th birthday was probably the best one I've ever had..there was a party where half the guests ended up naked in my pool..very good time was had by all. As far as the "strappy shoes and orgasms" go, I can't say much for the strappy shoes, but the hankering for orgasms only intensifies in your 30's. ..Be prepared!! LOL I'm 37 and could use three or four a day.. : O)
Posted by: JaxVenus at April 4, 2004 03:16 AMWe had a huge dinner at a Lebanese restaurant last night, all cozy lighting and red throw pillows, baba ganousch and hummous eaten with fingers
[sobbing with inexpressible envy]
Posted by: ilyka at April 3, 2004 07:06 PMHey kids,
I don't want to attack anyone, but please remember, this is Helen's blog. She gets to share what she feels comfortable sharing. If she doesn't want to talk about her family on here, then she doesn't want to talk about her family on here. Leave it at that and respect her wish to keep that part of her life private.
Helen,
Good job on the boinking like bunnies :) Your holiday sounds lovely and i'm glad you're enjoying it. It's so wonderfully romantic, fights and all.
~L
Posted by: Laura at April 3, 2004 10:46 AMNo attacking of the other commenters here-you can attack me but not attack others.
And I am not goign to discuss my family here. I strongly suspect that my family is actually reading this site and-in the case of a series of Jills that seem to leave messages that sound strongly like my family-I actually suspect that Jill is my mother (or sister) leaving comments.
Sorry Jill if I got this wrong.
I have learned that nothing positive can come of talking about my family to others. So I will keep this site as my way of talking about my heart and head...and will keep my childhood out of it.
Posted by: Helen at April 3, 2004 08:32 AMI enjoy Solomon's comments. He seems to be one that has his head on straight and sees big pictures instead of just saying things that are commonly called - blowing smoke you know where. If that's what you want, then go for it. If that's what you need, then you are getting it from people like Ky. Seems pretty shallow to me. We could always say - America - well forget them until they get their stuff straight, family - who needs them anyway. Solomon - you seem to have a lot of character and from a couple of other things I've read, have your head on fairly straight. Communication is a 2 way street. You have to look at both sides. Kylan - it appears - is intolerant to anyone who doesn't see things as he wants to. Things are not always as they appear - especially in glass houses. Kylan - thrown any good stones lately?
"They say that blood is thicker than water. Maybe that's why we battle our own with more energy and gusto than we would ever expend on strangers."
Posted by: Jill at April 3, 2004 02:53 AMNot sure I'd "stuff" the family even if they are a killjoy. Families often have a clear perspective and will be as blunt as is necessary, whereas friends and acquaintances might tread a little more lightly and be supportive when maybe they shouldn't.
That's why I was curious about the "issue" they have. Kylan may be 100% right depending on their issue; but then again the family might have a valid point.
Posted by: Solomon at April 2, 2004 07:34 PMHow does it feel to be 30? No different from 29, eh? The memory of my 30th, helped me through my 40th.
Enjoy Prague. I've heard it's fabulous. That's where my sister got engaged, and she raves about it every chance she gets.
PS- What's with those $%#@ Stars!! They let Edmonton beat them at home! Those 2 points might end the 24 year playoff streak for my Blues!
Happy belated birthday, dear Helen.
"... as we walked by the river, where we made love for an hour." That doesn't sound *quite* right, Praha is far too busy for this. ;-)
Posted by: Gudy at April 2, 2004 03:54 PMHappy Birthday, Helen! What a great way to spend it, all except for the stupid fight, but hey, that just makes the making up that much better, hey?
I've heard really nothing but glowing reviews of Prague and would love to visit someday.
Posted by: Johnny Huh? at April 2, 2004 03:11 PMWhoo hooo!!! That's awesome :) Happy Birthday! Glad you're having a good time :)
Posted by: Onyx at April 2, 2004 03:05 PMHappy Belated Birthday!
Posted by: amber at April 2, 2004 01:51 PMSorry to tap out a missive of birthday greetings late, but I've been without internet access myself for a bit --
having problems with the family? -stuff them! You are a strong, vibrant delightfully young woman entering your prime -- if they can't handle you, then let them simmer until they can. You have a momentous time ahead of you, and you don't need that kind of anchor/yoke holding you back.
When they can be supportive and understanding, then you can open up communications with them again - when they deserve it.
Now! go forth and enjoy yourself -- "That's an order, young lady!"
Tioraidh!
Ky
Posted by: Kylan at April 2, 2004 01:42 PMHappy Happy Birthday!!! I'm glad you're enjoying yourself.
The concentration camp visit will surely put a damper on the mood, but I think everyone should be required to see one. I'm sure it can really help to put things in perspective...
Posted by: Clancy at April 2, 2004 01:27 PM{{{hugs}}} Happy Birthday Helen!
What's the family's problem? Just curious.
Posted by: Solomon at April 2, 2004 01:26 PMHappiest birthday wishes to you! (Or as my adorable little nephew would say, "Happy Birfday!") It's such a delight to picture you in Prague, having all these fantastic experiences and investing an a relationship that makes you happy. I can't imagine a better birthday gift! Now if only your fam would play along...
I owe you email. And hugs.
Posted by: Layne at April 2, 2004 11:17 AMSounds fantastic, Helen. Can't wait for the pictures.
Of Prague.
Not that I was implying anything else.
;-)
Posted by: Jim at April 2, 2004 10:44 AMhappy happy birthday, enjoy every last second of it! you really do deserve it.
Posted by: stinkerbell at April 2, 2004 09:35 AMsounds wonderful :)
Posted by: melanie at April 2, 2004 08:46 AMHappy Birthday! Have a properly served Czech absinthe on me. :)
Cheers.
Posted by: Curator at April 2, 2004 08:21 AM